Skin Cancer Screening in Occupational Medicine

Background: Skin cancer is an increasing worldwide public health concern. Rates of melanoma and skin cancer continue to rise worldwide, creating a significant public health need for detection. In 2003, nearly 54,000 Americans were diagnosed with melanoma with an expected 7,700 deaths. The visual skin exam is an effective secondary prevention tool in detecting melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer and may be implemented in occupational medical clinics. Methods: Applying the results of a comprehensive literature review of skin cancer screening efforts in communities and workplaces to occupational medicine. Results: Skin cancer screening efforts have identified high-risk populations for melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer and may detect suspicious lesions early.Conclusions: Occupational physicians may be the only healthcare provider with the opportunity to screen a high-risk population, particularly males over age 50. Integrating a skin examination into pre-employment or periodic examinations would expend minimal time and funds while potentially preventing worker morbidity and mortality. Screening for skin cancer at the workplace may also fulfill a public health need. The integration of skin cancer screening into occupational medicine may simultaneously improve worker health and increase the value of the occupational medicine physician